Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Specialist

Overview

Conduct due diligence and risk assessments for proposed engagements with NSAs.

You have:

• Advanced University degree in ethics, business management, accounting, finance, economics, law, international relations or related field.
• At least three years of relevant experience in a professional environment role as due diligence/risk assessment analyst.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English and one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).
• Technical and analytical skills in research, organization of information, and data analysis in the context of performing due diligence research and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with data science services for ESG Risk Ratings and analytical research (e.g., Sustainalytics, RepRisk).
• Good knowledge of UNSDG Common Approach to Prospect Research and Due Diligence for Business Sector Partnerships, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and Anti-money Laundering.
• Detail-oriented and excellent report-writing skills in English.
• Ability to work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and at all levels in the organization.

Organizational Setting

The Project Support Division (PSS) has the lead responsibility for ensuring that corporate guidance on the Project Cycle, projects monitoring and TCP, New Operational Modalities, and Due Diligence are fit for purpose and contribute as part of a reinvigorated business environment to the Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Director, PSS, leads the organization’s work in oversight and monitoring of projects; project cycle management; management and oversight of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); due diligence and risk assessment review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support of new operational modalities. The Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Unit in PSS performs due diligence screening and risk assessment of engagements with the private sector and other non-state actors as per FAO’s Framework for Due Diligence and Risk Assessment/Management for Engagements (“FRAME”).

Reporting Lines

The Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Specialist reports to the Senior Programme Officer, Head of the Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Unit in PSS.

Technical Focus

Due Diligence and Risk Assessment (DDRA) specialized research and analysis on complex proposed collaborations following “FRAME”, DDRA research methodology, guidelines, procedures, and digital tools.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct due diligence and risk assessment (DDRA) screenings for proposed engagements with the private sector and other non-State actors (NSAs), in line with “FRAME.” • Review screening requests and assess mandatory documentation, including financial statements. • Carry out in-depth research using a range of information sources to support screening and risk assessment of the prospective entity engagement proposal, including interpretation of data and analytics. • Analyze and map complex or unclear ownership, governance, and relationship structures of the prospective entity or engagement proposal. • Prepare comprehensive evidence-based screenings in the FAO digital platform, clearly identifying risk factors related to prospective entities and proposed engagements. • Provide technical advice and contribute to the development and refinement of DDRA methodologies, guidelines, procedures, and digital tools, ensuring alignment with “FRAME.” • Conduct screenings across different operational contexts to support informed decision-making, including FAO Implementing Partners and event/logo use cases. • Support training and capacity development activities, including the development of training materials related to DDRA. • Organize and participate in meetings related to DDRA function at headquarters and in decentralized offices, as required. • Review DDRA screenings prepared by other analysts. • Provide support to ongoing, planned, and new activities or projects that relate to DDRA, as needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in ethics, business management, accounting, finance, economics, law, international relations or other related field. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. • At least three years of relevant experience in a professional environment role as due diligence/ risk assessment analyst. • Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish Arabic, Chinese or Russian (A second FAO language can be inserted if needed for the assignment)

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Technical and analytical skills in research, organization of information, and data analysis in the context of performing due diligence research and risk assessment. • Familiarity with data science services for ESG Risk Ratings and analytical research (e.g., Sustainalytics, RepRisk). • Good knowledge of UNSDG Common Approach to Prospect Research and Due Diligence for Business Sector Partnerships, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for implementing the UN, ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework (UN Guiding Principles), and the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, and of Anti-money Laundering. • Detail-oriented and excellent report-writing skills in English. Ability to work with information systems. • Ability to work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and at all levels in the organization.

Selection Criteria

• Extent of Knowledge of due diligence and risk assessment approaches, with practical experience in their application; experience within the UN system is an asset. • Strong technical analytical skills, particularly in assessing ESG and reputational risks, governance structures, and financial information. • Proven ability to analyze and synthesize multiple data sources, identify ESG and corporate risks, and present complex findings clearly to support informed decision-making. • Relevant experience in due diligence research and risk assessment analysis in an international context. • Experience working with digital due diligence platforms and the UN Partner Portal is desirable. • Good understanding of the UN common approach to due diligence and risk assessment is an asset. • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 days ago - Updated 9 hours ago - Source: fao.org